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Top 10 household poisons that caused pet emergencies in 2013

Household items may easily cause pet emergencies

Compiled by Kathy Lawitz

For the Sun-News

Posted:
01/24/2014 12:24:36 AM MST

Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, is available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. (Photo courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline)

For many people, January is a time for reflecting on the past year and making positive changes for healthier, more fulfilling and safer lifestyles. The veterinarians and toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline are helping make 2014 healthier and safer for pets by providing these top 10 lists of household items that generated the most poison consultations for dogs and cats in 2013. While not all items on this timely list are highly toxic, the list will inform pet owners about the truly dangerous items in their homes. The items below are presented in order of frequency, with number one being the item that caused the most emergency calls to Pet Poison Helpline.

Dogs: Top 10 toxins of 2013

1. Chocolate: The darker, the more dangerous. Bakers brand and dark chocolate are the most toxic, and milk chocolate, too, if ingested in large amounts.

2. Xylitol: This sweetener found in sugarless chewing gum and candy, medications and nasal sprays causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure only in dogs (not cats).

8. Prescription ADD/ADHD medications: These amphetamines such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death in pets.

9. Glucosamine joint supplements: Overdose of tasty products such as Cosequin and Move Free typically only cause diarrhea; however, in rare cases, liver failure can develop.

10. Silica gel packets and oxygen absorbers: Silica gel packs, found in new shoes, purses or backpacks, are rarely a concern. The real threats are the iron-containing oxygen absorbers found in food packages like beef jerky or pet treats, which can cause iron poisoning.

Cats: Top 10 toxins of 2013

1. Lilies: Plants in the Lilium species, such as Easter, Tiger, and Asiatic lilies, cause kidney failure in cats. All cat owners must be aware of these highly toxic plants.

8. Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: Common houseplants like the peace lily, philodendron and pothos can cause oral/upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth, and inflammation when ingested, but severe symptoms are uncommon.

9. Household insecticides: Thankfully, most household sprays and powders are fairly safe, but it's best to keep curious kitties away until the products have dried or settled.

10. Glow sticks and glow jewelry: These irresistible "toys" contain a chemical called dibutyl phthalate. When it contacts the mouth, pain and excessive foaming occurs, but the signs quickly resolve when the cat eats food or drinks water.

Get educated

"Every January, we examine our records to see what toxins contributed to the most emergency calls from pet owners and veterinarians the previous 12 months," said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT and associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline. "We hope that by sharing these lists, more pet owners will become educated about how to avoid problems and protect their pets in 2014."

The best thing concerned pet owners can do is get educated on the most common pet toxins, which are listed above, and then pet-proof their homes. However, accidents happen and if a pet may have ingested something toxic, Pet Poison Helpline recommends taking action immediately. Contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680. Pet Poison Helpline also has a helpful iPhone application with an extensive database of over 200 poisons dangerous to cats and dogs. "Pet Poison Help" is available on iTunes for $1.99.

About Pet Poison Helpline

Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, is available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline's fee of $39 per incident includes follow-up consultation for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at petpoisonhelpline.com.

Kathy Lawitz is executive director of the Doña Ana County Humane Society, Inc. She may be reached at 575-642-2648. For information, visit donaanacountyhumanesocietyinc.org.

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